Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Bioinformatics

About the position

Position as Postdoctoral Research Fellow available at the Department of Biosciences.

The appointment is a fulltime position and is for a period of three years (10% of which is devoted to required duties, usually in the form of teaching activities). 

Starting date: as soon as possible.

No one can be appointed for more than one Postdoctoral Research Fellowship atthe University of Oslo.

Job description / Project description / Development plan:

We are looking for individuals who are motivated to develop computational tools to understand the three-dimensional (3D) organization of genomes. The DNA in the nucleus is folded in 3D, a structure critical for the orchestration of gene expression during development, differentiation and tissue homeostasis, and for the balance between healthy and pathological states. Yet, how 3D genome structure and the genes respond to external mechanical stimuli, is not known.

The NANO-3D project aims at unraveling new links between physical input to cells and cell nuclei and 3D genome reorganization. Specifically, the successful candidate will develop new computational software to study 3D genome alterations in cells undergoing machanic stimulation. This includes analyzing Hi-C and related high-throughput genomics datasets and imaging data to shed new light on how the 3D genome is altered and reorganized.

The candidate will join the research group of Associate Professor Jonas Paulsen, at section for Genetics and Evolutionary Biology (EVOGENE), and will collaborate with the Cinzia Progida group. The focus of the group is to understand how the 3D organization of DNA inside the nucleus relates to critical functions in the eukaryotic cell, such as gene expression regulation and the cell cycle. We use computational- and biophysics modeling, statistical analyses and machine learning to elucidate evolutionary trajectories and functional relationships across cell-types, tissues and species.

The main purpose of a postdoctoral fellowship is to provide the candidates with enhanced skills to pursue a scientific top position within or beyond academia. To promote a strategic career path, all postdoctoral research fellows are required to submit a professional development plan no later than one month after commencement of the postdoctoral period.

It is expected that the successful candidate will be able to complete the project in the course of the period of employment.

Qualification requirements:

The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences has a strategic ambition to be among Europe’s leading communities for research, education and innovation. Candidates for these fellowships will be selected in accordance with this, and expected to be in the upper segment of their class with respect to academic credentials.

• Applicants must hold a degree equivalent to a Norwegian doctoral degree in Bioinformatics (or similar). Doctoral dissertation must be submitted for evaluation by the closing date. Only applicants with an approved doctoral thesis and completed defence are eligible for appointment.
• Candidates must be able to demonstrate documented experience and proven proficiency in programming (C++ and Python), supported by a portfolio of projects and/or contributions to open source projects
• Documented experience and proficiency in developing computational tools for analyzing Hi-C (and related) data
• Documented experience with analysis of Hi-C and related data
• Fluent oral and written communication skills in English

Personal skills:

• Highly motivated and ambitious
• Excellent communication skills
• Passion for interdisciplinary science
• Strong motivation to acquire new knowledge and skills

Personal suitability for the position will be emphasized.

We offer:

• Salary NOK 575 400 – 657 300 per annum depending on qualifications in position as Postdoctoral Research Fellowship (position code 1352)
• Attractive welfare benefits and a generous pension agreement
• Professionally stimulating working environment
• Vibrant international academic environment
• Postdoctoral development programmes
• Oslo’s family-friendly surroundings with their rich opportunities for culture and outdoor activities

The application must include:

• Cover letter (statement of motivation, summarizing scientific work and research interest)
• CV (summarizing education, positions, pedagogical experience, administrative experience and other qualifying activity)
• Copies of educational certificates, academic transcript of records
• A complete list of publications and up to 5 academic works that the applicant wishes to be considered by the evaluation committee
• Names and contact details of 2-3 references (name, relation to candidate, e-mail and telephone number)

The application with attachments must be delivered in our electronic recruiting system, please follow the link “Apply for this job”. Foreign applicants are advised to attach an explanation of their University's grading system. Please note that all documents should be in English (or a Scandinavian language).

In assessing the applications, special emphasis will be placed on the documented, academic qualifications, as well as the candidates motivation and personal suitability. Interviews with the best qualified candidates will be arranged.

Formal regulations:

Please see the guidelines and regulations for appointments to Postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Oslo.

If an applicant has applied for and been granted funding for a fulltime research stay abroad while being employed as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, the employment will be prolonged with the equivalent time as the research stay, but for no longer than of twelve months ( thus extending the employment to a maximum of four years)

No one can be appointed twice as a Postdoctoral fellow financed with funds from The Research Council of Norway (NFR).

According to the Norwegian Freedom and Information Act (Offentleglova) information about the applicant may be included in the public applicant list, also in cases where the applicant has requested non-disclosure.

The University of Oslo has an agreement for all employees, aiming to secure rights to research results a.o.

Inclusion and diversity are a strength. The University of Oslo has a personnel policy objective of achieving a balanced gender composition. Furthermore, we want employees with diverse professional expertise, life experience and perspectives.

If there are qualified applicants with disabilities, employment gaps or immigrant background, we will invite at least one applicant from each of these categories to an interview.

Contact persons:

For further information about the position please contact: Jonas Paulsen, phone: +47 228 59105, e-mail: jonas.paulsen@ibv.uio.no

For questions regarding the recruitment system, please contact HR Adviser Nina Holtan, e-mail: nina.holtan@mn.uio.no

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